Veganism - A Powerful Lifestyle


The most popular lifestyle that is followed these days is veganism. Many people are not aware of what exactly is veganism and why an individual should follow it. Here is a briefing on veganism in a simple way.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is a lifestyle that is immensely increasing. It means restraining oneself from the use of animal products, particularly in diet. It includes a philosophy that limits the exploitation of animals and they strongly believe every creature on earth has the right to live. A person who follows such a diet and philosophy is known as a vegan. 

The term vegan was coined by combining the first two letters and last two letters of “Vegetarian”. World Vegan Day is celebrated on 1st November. 

Reasons to follow Veganism

There are powerful reasons that influence people to start a vegan lifestyle. Practicing veganism is a way of showing gratitude towards mother nature by reducing animal agriculture. It is a beautiful way of showing compassion to every being on the planet. 

This lifestyle promotes health, nourishes the body and diminishes animal consumption, and increases the understanding that there is no reason to consume meat. Veganism also minimizes the risk of foodborne illness and getting over illness is faster. It helps in maintaining body weight, improves digestion, and builds lean muscles.

Foods for Vegans

A vegan diet includes only plant-based food but that doesn’t mean they eat the same kind of food. Foods include fruits and vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, nut butter, bread, rice, pasta, vegetable oils. 

Dairy alternatives include soy milk, coconut milk and almond milk. Tofu is one of the minimally processed meat substitutes. Plant milk, sprouted and fermented plant foods,choline-rich foods, whole grain cereals, and pseudocereals. 

Vegans can’t eat beef, pork, lamb, and red meat. They exclude duck, chicken, and other poultry. All the dairy products like milk, cream, ice-cream, eggs, and other dairy products are also avoided. Seafood and honey are completely ignored. 

Benefits

  • Health: A vegan diet has potential health effects on the human body. Many experts believe that eating plant-based food increases life expectancy. Practicing a vegan diet reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes, premature death, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Vegan diets lower body weight and Body Mass Index(BMI).

A different study shows that vegans experience more positive moods than meat-eaters and are responsible for youthful looks. A plant-based diet could boost your beauty regime by making your skin healthy.

  • Nature: The vegan lifestyle excludes honey from bees which saves the bee population. Bees are the most important species on earth that help fruits and vegetable stock. A vegan diet restricts fish which thereby saves seas from the accumulation of fishing nets.


Avoiding animals in food reduces animal agriculture which decreases greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

Myths about Veganism

There are many misconceptions about Veganism and here are some that need to be broken. People believe myths like the vegan diet are not healthy but on contrary, it is healthier than other diets. As vegans don’t drink milk people feel like they lack calcium but leafy vegetables have more calcium than milk. It is propagated that veganism is hard and makes you weak but they are all lies. 

Being a vegan is not at all expensive, instead, it is a budget-friendly job. Remember, veganism is not an eating disorder, it fills the stomach enough, is suitable for children, with lots of health benefits, and is extremely interesting. 

Switching to Veganism

Start your transition slowly by having vegan days and then incorporating them into your routine. Be a vegan at home and try visiting more vegan restaurants. Find substitutes in vegan materials for your favorite foods. Make a habit and try new foods at every opportunity. Join a vegan community and connect with animals in sanctuaries.

Be extremely grateful and stand by your beliefs towards other beings. Educate yourself and eliminate animal-derived foods. Get prepared with a stocked kitchen with vegan products like vegan cheese, vegan mayo, pasta, and a lot of snacks to eat on journeys.

Read this article to know about 11 Healthy Food Vegans Eat.

Also, read about Types of Vegan Milk and How to Make a Perfect Switch.

Written By - Sreeram Mahima

Edited By - Bhanu Jain